The Cremation Society of Pennsylvania maintains information on its website — www.cremationsocietyofpa.com — regarding frequent questions asked by people facing end-of-life decisions.

Here is a roundup of some information the society wants people to be aware of:

QUESTION: What is cremation?

ANSWER: Cremation is the process of returning the body to nature with the use of heat and evaporation. Cremation is accepted worldwide. More and more people from all social, religious and economic backgrounds are choosing cremation as an alternative to the full, traditional funeral. In some states, the cremation rate is higher than 60 percent.

QUESTION: Is cremation affordable?

ANSWER: Yes. What most people do not realize is that cremation costs are less than full traditional funerals.

QUESTION: Can cremation include a memorial service?

ANSWER: Yes. The service can take place at a place of worship, a cemetery, your home or another place of your choosing.

QUESTION: Must I be embalmed if I want cremation?

ANSWER: No, but ultimately it depends on what services a funeral home or crematory has available. Pennsylvania law states that after 24 hours after death the deceased must be either embalmed or refrigerated.

QUESTION: Can the deceased be cremated immediately after death?

ANSWER: No. Pennsylvania law states that you cannot cremate in the first 24 hours after death.

QUESTION: What paperwork is required before cremation can take place?

ANSWER: Written permission from the next-of-kin is required, as well as a signed death certificate from either the attending physician or coroner. Once the death certificate has been completed, the crematory must then receive permission to cremate from the county coroner.